Anastasia & AJ
Things To Do
Sites - Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant)
Connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant and home of the famous Cooper River Bridge Run. Has a running/walking path along one side with a great view of the city and the harbor! You can park or get dropped off at the Shell Gas Station at the end of the bridge and go from there. It's about a 1.2 miles to the top. The full length of the bridge one way is about 2.5 miles.
Sites - The Battery
This historic stretch of homes along the Charleston peninsula makes for excellent site seeing. There is street parking adjacent to the park. We recommend walking and playing the "guess how much?" game with your Zillow app handy. **Please see the note below regarding Horse Carriage rides.
Sites - Plantation Tours
There are many plantations that offer tours. We recommend taking a tour on slavery. Middleton Place Magnolia Plantations and Gardens Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Sites - Charleston City Market
Sells locally made goods
Sites - Angel Oak Tree
Impressive 400-500 year old oak tree; free entry; Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm;
Sites - Childrens Museum of the Low Country
Fun place to entertain the kids Rates: Children Under 12 Months: FREE SC Residents – Children & Adults: $10.00 Non-SC Residents – Children & Adults: $12.00
Sites - Beaches
Folly Beach on James Island: https://visitfolly.com/ - Most popular beach Kiawah Beach: https://www.kiawahisland.org/beaches/ - Has nice bathrooms/showers; parking fee Sullivan's Island Beach: https://www.visit-historic-charleston.com/sullivans-island-beach.html - In a residential area but much less crowded than Folly. No showers available Isle of Palms - https://www.iop.net/beach
Restaurant - The McIntosh
Farm-to-fork. Fantastic service.
Restaurant - Callie's Hot Little Biscuit - Upper King
Very tiny shop - usually with a line - but worth it!
Restaurant - Baker's Bar (Pizza)
"Best pizza place under a brown/tan building in Charleston" - follow your nose to find this hidden favorite date spot of ours. Not good for large parties.
Restaurant - Grace and Grit (Mount Pleasant)
Great seafood and southern style food. Just a drive over the big bridge to Mount Pleasant
Restaurant - Wild Olive Cucina Italiana (John's Island)
Our absolute favorite restaurant in Charleston! It's right around the corner from AJ's house. This is a cozy Italian restaurant with homemade and farm-to-fork style.
Restaurant - The Butcher and the Bee
Great spot for brunch/lunch. Make sure you try the warm feta dip! It is located right next to Edmund's Oast.
Restaurant - Husk
Delicious upscale southern food. Usually requires a reservation in advance. Also check out their bar in the cute building next door.
Restaurant - The Grocery
Chef Kevin Johnson is a 5-time James Beard nominee. This restaurant boasts a commitment to "regional ingredients executed in innovative ways."
Restaurant/Drinks - Edmund's Oast
Great place for a bite and a brew. They have a separate brewery but we recommend sitting outside in the pavilion. We highly recommend the Peanut Butter & Jelly beer (it's more delicious than it sounds). There is also a cute wine/beer shop next door called the Edmund's Oast Exchange - they carry many interesting small batch brews.
Restaurant/drinks - 5Church Charleston
Very cool bar built in an old church right next to the market
**A Note on Horse Carriages
Quick PSA: As charming as they may seem, we recommend against the horse carriage rides/tours given their controversial and, in our opinion, inhumane treatment of the horses. See https://www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/humane-carriage-tours/ for more details .